Gerrid Doaks Biography: Inspiring Rise and NFL Journey
Discover his age, early life, college statistics, NFL Draft story, playing style, career challenges, and current work.
Introduction
Gerrid Doaks is an American former professional football running back known for his college career with the Cincinnati Bearcats and his time with the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans.
He attracted attention as a strong downhill runner who could carry the ball, catch passes from the backfield, protect the quarterback, and contribute on special teams.
His football journey included high-school success, an injury setback, a productive college comeback, an NFL Draft selection, and several seasons competing for professional roster positions.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gerrid Doaks |
| Date of Birth | June 9, 1998 |
| Age | 28 years old as of June 2026 |
| Birthplace | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
| Hometown | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former professional football player and digital creator |
| Playing Position | Running back |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches |
| Weight | 228 pounds |
| High School | Lawrence Central High School |
| University | University of Cincinnati |
| Degree | Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice |
| College Team | Cincinnati Bearcats |
| NFL Draft | 2021, seventh round, 244th overall |
| Drafted By | Miami Dolphins |
| Former NFL Organisations | Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans |
| Major College Honour | First-Team All-American Athletic Conference |
| Current Public Work | Fitness, lifestyle and user-generated content |
Who Is Gerrid Doaks?
Doaks is best recognised for his years as a Cincinnati running back and his selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
He developed a reputation for physical rushing, strong balance, lower-body power and a willingness to perform the less visible duties of the position.
Unlike a running back known only for speed, he offered a more complete skill set. He could run between defenders, receive short passes and help protect the quarterback during passing plays.
His journey is also an example of how difficult professional football can be. Reaching the NFL Draft was a major achievement, but injuries, roster competition and limited opportunities affected his progress.
Early Life in Indianapolis
Doaks was born on June 9, 1998, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He grew up in an area with a strong high-school sports culture and began developing his football identity at Lawrence Central High School.
Indianapolis has produced several recognised athletes, and stories about Indianapolis football talent show how competitive the route from local high-school programmes to professional football can be.
At Lawrence Central, Doaks played under coach Jed Richman. He became one of the most productive running backs in his area and gained attention from college recruiters.
He finished his high-school career with 2,953 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry and more than 140 rushing yards per game.
During his senior season, he rushed for 1,705 yards and scored 22 touchdowns. He had previously recorded 1,242 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior.
Education and Cincinnati Development
Doaks chose the University of Cincinnati after receiving interest from several college programmes. His decision gave him the opportunity to develop as both a student and an athlete.
His official University of Cincinnati player profile confirms that he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in April 2020.
He was also named to the 2019 American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team. This recognition showed that his college experience involved more than his performances on the field.
The discipline required to balance education and sport is also visible in other stories of college football success, where academic responsibility and athletic development often progress together.
Beginning of His College Career
Doaks redshirted during his first season with Cincinnati. A redshirt year allowed him to train, learn the college system and develop physically without using a full season of playing eligibility.
Cincinnati named him its Co-Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year. This was an early sign that coaches valued his effort and potential.
He made his playing debut against Michigan in 2017. Despite missing three games through injury, he led Cincinnati in rushing that season.
He carried the ball 87 times for 513 yards and two touchdowns. His average of 5.9 yards per carry showed that he could produce effective gains when given an opportunity.
He also caught 14 passes for 135 yards and one receiving touchdown. His best rushing performance came against Tulane, when he gained 149 yards from 17 carries.
The 2018 Injury Setback
His progress was interrupted before the 2018 season when he suffered an injury during preseason practice.
The injury forced him to miss the entire campaign. Losing a full season was a major challenge because it stopped his momentum and required a long physical recovery.
However, he continued working with the Cincinnati programme and prepared for a comeback. His return became an important turning point in his career.
Stories involving professional football challenges often show that talent alone is not enough. Recovery, patience and mental strength can be equally important.
Successful Return in 2019
Doaks returned to action in 2019 and played in 12 games.
He rushed 100 times for 526 yards and five touchdowns. His average of 5.3 yards per carry was the best among Cincinnati players who had at least 100 rushing attempts.
He also recorded eight receptions for 70 yards and one receiving touchdown. His strongest rushing game came against Connecticut, when he produced 123 yards from 13 carries.
This successful return proved that he could recover from a serious setback and regain an important role in Cincinnati’s offence.
Breakthrough Senior Season
The 2020 season became the strongest period of his college career.
Doaks rushed 144 times for 673 yards and seven touchdowns across nine games. He also caught 14 passes for 202 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
His ability as a receiver became particularly valuable. He averaged 14.4 yards per reception, showing that he could create bigger gains after catching the ball.
His best performance came against Houston. He rushed for 184 yards and scored a touchdown while recording a career-long 72-yard run.
He also scored four total touchdowns against Austin Peay, including three rushing scores and one receiving touchdown.
His performances earned him First-Team All-American Athletic Conference recognition.
College Career Statistics
| Season | Games | Carries | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 9 | 87 | 513 | 2 | 14 | 135 | 1 |
| 2018 | Injured | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | 12 | 100 | 526 | 5 | 8 | 70 | 1 |
| 2020 | 9 | 144 | 673 | 7 | 14 | 202 | 2 |
| Career | 30 | 331 | 1,712 | 14 | 36 | 407 | 4 |
He finished his Cincinnati career with 2,119 yards from scrimmage and 18 offensive touchdowns.
Playing Style and Athletic Strengths
Doaks played as a physical running back who was comfortable attacking the middle of a defence.
At approximately 228 pounds, he had enough size to absorb contact and continue moving forward. His balance and leg strength helped him compete in short-yardage situations.
His game was not limited to rushing. He showed reliable hands as a receiver and was considered capable of contributing in pass protection.
Different positions demand different athletic qualities, as shown through this NFL defensive back journey, but discipline, preparation and awareness remain important across every role.
His reported pre-draft testing included a 39.5-inch vertical jump, a 120-inch broad jump and 19 bench-press repetitions.
These results supported his reputation as an explosive and physically powerful athlete.
Entering the 2021 NFL Draft
The Miami Dolphins selected Doaks in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 244th overall pick.
The official Miami Dolphins draft report described him as the final member of Miami’s seven-player draft class.
His selection completed a long journey from Indianapolis high-school football to the professional level.
The transition from college to the NFL requires improved technique and faster decision-making. Similar examples of NFL Draft development show how selected players must quickly adapt to professional expectations.
Doaks signed his rookie agreement in May 2021 and entered training camp hoping to earn a place in Miami’s running-back group.
Miami Dolphins Career
His most memorable professional performance came during Miami’s 2021 preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.
He carried the ball 16 times for 56 yards and scored two touchdowns. Miami won the game 29–26, and his performance demonstrated his power near the goal line.
Despite that display, he did not earn a position on the opening 53-player roster. Miami waived him before signing him to its practice squad.
He spent the 2021 campaign developing within the organisation and later signed a reserve/future contract.
The Dolphins waived him again in August 2022. He left the organisation without appearing in an NFL regular-season game.
Gerrid Doaks Talks 2021 Rookie Minicamp
Houston Texans Period
The Houston Texans signed Doaks to their practice squad in September 2022.
His time with Houston included several transactions. He was released, re-signed and given reserve/future contracts as he continued competing for a professional roster position.
Houston waived him during its August 2023 roster reduction before bringing him back to the practice squad in September.
He was released in November 2023 but returned on another reserve/future contract in January 2024.
The Texans officially waived him on May 10, 2024. He did not record an NFL regular-season appearance during his time with Miami or Houston.
Career Timeline
| Year | Career Event |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Redshirted at Cincinnati |
| 2017 | Led Cincinnati in rushing |
| 2018 | Missed the season through injury |
| 2019 | Returned with 526 rushing yards |
| 2020 | Earned First-Team All-AAC recognition |
| 2021 | Drafted by the Miami Dolphins |
| 2021 | Scored twice against Cincinnati in preseason |
| 2022 | Joined the Houston Texans practice squad |
| 2023 | Continued competing with Houston |
| 2024 | Waived by the Texans on May 10 |
Major Achievements
- Selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft.
- Earned First-Team All-American Athletic Conference honours.
- Recorded 1,712 college rushing yards.
- Scored 18 total offensive touchdowns for Cincinnati.
- Earned 2019 AAC All-Academic Team recognition.
- Completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
- Returned successfully after missing the entire 2018 season.
- Scored two touchdowns in a Miami Dolphins preseason game.
Current Status in 2026
As of June 2026, no later NFL signing appears in the official transaction records reviewed after Houston waived him in May 2024.
His current public profile describes him as a former NFL running back involved in fitness, lifestyle and user-generated digital content.
He also shares fashion, daily-life and fitness material through social media. His public work reflects a transition from professional football towards content creation and personal business activity.
The habits developed through football may remain valuable in his next career chapter. Examples of long-term NFL discipline show how the mindset created through professional sport can influence work beyond the playing field.
Public Image
Doaks is generally remembered as a powerful college running back who overcame injury and earned an opportunity in the NFL.
His career did not include a regular-season NFL appearance, but being selected in the draft remains a significant achievement.
He also gained respect for completing his university degree and returning strongly after losing an entire season to injury.
His journey presents a realistic picture of professional sport. Success is not always measured only by long-term statistics; it can also involve recovery, development and reaching a highly competitive level.
Interesting Facts
- He rushed for 1,705 yards during his senior high-school season.
- He scored 37 rushing touchdowns across his high-school career.
- He missed the entire 2018 college season before returning in 2019.
- His college career included 36 receptions and four receiving touchdowns.
- His longest recorded college run covered 72 yards.
- He produced 214 all-purpose yards against Houston in 2020.
- Miami selected him with the 244th overall pick.
- He studied criminal justice at the University of Cincinnati.
Conclusion
Doaks built his football reputation through strength, persistence and versatility.
His journey began in Indianapolis, continued through a productive career at Cincinnati and reached the NFL when Miami selected him in the seventh round.
Injuries and roster competition prevented him from establishing a regular-season NFL career, but his college achievements, academic progress and professional opportunities remain important parts of his story.
His move into fitness, lifestyle and digital content represents a new chapter shaped by the discipline he developed through competitive football.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Gerrid Doaks?
He is 28 years old as of June 2026.
When was he born?
He was born on June 9, 1998.
Where is he from?
He is from Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.
What position did he play?
He played as a running back.
Which university did he attend?
He attended the University of Cincinnati.
What degree did he earn?
He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Which NFL team drafted him?
The Miami Dolphins selected him in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Did he play an NFL regular-season game?
He did not record an official NFL regular-season appearance.
Which professional organisations was he part of?
He spent time with the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans.
What is he doing now?
His public profile focuses on fitness, lifestyle content and user-generated digital media.
